Investment in automation is paying significant dividends at Holmesterne Foods as improvements to manufacturing processes are made to a vital line at the companyÂs Brompton-on Swale No1 site.
HolmesterneÂs ÂPigs in Blankets business has developed significantly over the past 18 months with the company supplying principally to Hot Counter customers. With demand consistently outweighing production capacity a series of changes have now been implemented which are impacting on a number of key fronts.
The old process was constrained by many factors including off line bacon slicing. In addition, teams of operatives were required to hand roll the pigs and to pack the finished product, which could involve up to 32 people per line per shift.
The new process has seen the addition of an inline bacon slicer to a re-reorganised and semi automated rolling line with a new packing and sealing line to complete the upgrade.
Semi automation of the line has completely
transformed the production process improving manufacturing speed, product
quality and consistency, and reducing waste by over 30%. The inline working
also keeps the product at the correct temperature and results in a just in time
working method. The new bacon slicer controls product weight and reduces
giveaway.
The principal benefit to the
company is the doubled manufacturing capacity that enables Holmesterne to
respond to demand and service new customers whilst also controlling labour
costs and increasing efficiencies.
